Enhanced Prospect Av R Subway Station Opens in Brooklyn

November 02nd, 2017

Before and after renovation

MTA New York City Transit has opened the enhanced Prospect Av station in Brooklyn, the third station to re-open after extensive, accelerated renovations as part of the Enhanced Station Initiative. The new Prospect Av station features countdown clocks at each of its three entrances, modern LED lighting, Wi-Fi connectivity, new digital displays, USB ports, and an upgraded security system. In the fare control area, glass barriers have replaced metal bars, enhancing sightlines and allowing more natural light to enter the station.New canopies have been deployed at two of the station’s three entrances. Other upgrades include wayfinding floor tiles for the visually-impaired, new handrails, stair treads, wall tiles, and granite flooring.

The 102-year-old Prospect Av station was closed on June 5, 2017, and, just five months later, the station has opened to the public. This follows other improvements along this line, including the enhancement of the 53 St station and Bay Ridge Av station, as well as the amendment of the MTA Capital Plan to include funding for four accessibility projects at 59 St, 77 St, 86 St and Bay Ridge-95 St.

“With the opening of this station, we continue to quickly and efficiently deliver subway customers new tools to manage their commute, including countdown clocks, Wi-Fi connectivity and USB ports, as well as an enhanced station with better lighting, improved signage and new art,” said MTA Chairman Joseph J. Lhota. “We look forward to building on the momentum and feedback received from these Brooklyn stations and bringing this innovation to more stations.”

The Enhanced Station Initiative (ESI) program builds upon a larger campaign aimed at improving the New York City Transit system. The MTA is undertaking component and renewal work at more than 170 other stations. This station was completed under a design-build contract, which designates a single team to be responsible for the design and construction of an entire project. Design-build ensures seamless coordination between all contractors on a project so that work is completed in the shortest possible time frame.

The Prospect Av station also features new artwork, commissioned by MTA Arts & Design, by Monika Bravo, a Colombian-born, Brooklyn-based artist. The composition layers pixelated satellite images presented in mosaic tesserae, historical maps and photos of the nearby waterfront, and forms drawn from modern abstraction. Data and material are woven together to create a new code that connects technology, process, and illusion.

The station, which serves as a central transit point for four Brooklyn neighborhoods, was opened free-to-the-public for three hours on Thursday, November 2, 2017 so that all local residents could be the first to experience their new, enhanced station.

Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY): “These enhancements to the Prospect Avenue station will make for a more comfortable ride for visitors and daily commuters. Investing in our transportation infrastructure makes our city more livable and fuels local economic activity. I’m pleased to see this project completed.”

Borough President Eric Adams: “I'm pleased to see the Prospect Avenue station reopen for the straphangers of South Slope and Sunset Park. Greater investment in our mass transit infrastructure is critically needed across our borough to advance the safety and reliability of service, and this design enhancement campaign is a step toward that larger imperative.”

Assistant Speaker Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz: “I am delighted that the Prospect Avenue station will reopen with enhanced and facilities for our subway riders. Cleaner and more modern stations lead to safer on-time rides. The improvements to the R line will also help our communities attract new business and visitors.”

Councilman Carlos Menchaca: “The re-opening of the Prospect Avenue subway station is welcome news for South Slope and Greenwood Heights residents. This marks completion of the third south Brooklyn station to be completely revamped under the MTA’s Enhanced Station Initiative. While the six month construction period was a challenge for nearby residents and businesses, the results are impressive. Prospect Avenue now joins the 53 St and Bay Ridge Avenue stations to the south as one of the most modern in New York City. I look forward to working with the MTA on continuing improvements to stations, lines and services.”

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon: “Improved lighting, an upgraded security system, and new handrails are tremendous improvements that will keep commuters safe at the Prospect Av Station. The addition of wayfinding floor tiles to help those who are visually impaired is an important upgrade that should be implemented at all stations. I applaud the MTA for doing these renovations quickly so that Brooklyn residents who rely on this station to commute every day will have a safe and efficient station to use.”

Brooklyn Community Board 7 District Manager Jeremy Laufer: "This is the second station in our district to be upgraded under the Enhanced Station Initiative and we are happy, once again, that the MTA has completed this much needed work earlier than expected and that the station will be open before the marathon. We look forward to continuing to work with our MTA to improve our other facilities and service."

Pictures of the Prospect Av station Before and After These Enhancements are AvailableHere.